Questions & Answers

My father gifted some rental real estate to me in the neighborhood of $350,000. I have come across the rules on a 5-year look-back rule for Medicaid. My father has had some health problems in the past but is doing well for now. If he should need to go into a nursing home before the 5-year look-back period has ended, could I gift him the money to pay his nursing home bills until the 5-year period has ended and then after the 5 years has ended, he could apply for Medicaid coverage?

Yes. Once five years has passed, Medicaid will no longer consider the gift. If your father is otherwise eligible for benefits and needs coverage, he can then apply without the transfer to you being a problem.